Muscat – As digital platforms continue to flood daily life with an endless stream of information, Omani experts are calling for a renewed culture of mindful reading, describing it as an essential tool for developing critical thinking, strengthening emotional resilience and preparing young people for the demands of an increasingly knowledge-driven world.

They argue that the challenge today is no longer gaining access to information, but distinguishing meaningful knowledge from the overwhelming volume of digital content. Reading, they say, has evolved from a leisure activity into a fundamental life skill that enables individuals to analyse, reflect and make informed decisions.

Writer and cultural commentator Labid bin Mubarak Al Amri said deep reading offers a much-needed antidote to the fast-paced digital environment.

“Reading is not merely about consuming texts; it is a process of rebuilding the mind and enriching the inner self,” he said, explaining that thoughtful reading enables people to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world while encouraging reflection rather than impulsive reactions to the constant flow of online content.

Visual artist Sanaa bint Saeed Al Humaidi described reading as a cornerstone of human development and a strategic investment in building a knowledge-based society.

She said reading has moved beyond the simple acquisition of information to become a driver of creativity, innovation and critical thinking. She stressed that nurturing a reading culture among young people requires a collective effort involving families, educational institutions, cultural organisations and the media.

Sanaa also highlighted the importance of reading clubs, literary forums and cultural initiatives in transforming reading from an individual habit into a community movement that promotes dialogue, creativity and the exchange of ideas.

Researcher Hajar bint Ali Al Misfari said the true value of reading lies in its ability to transform information into knowledge and knowledge into lasting values and behaviour.

She explained that mindful readers engage critically with what they read by questioning ideas, analysing arguments and relating concepts to everyday life. She warned that digital distractions and superficial reading habits remain among the greatest obstacles to developing genuine understanding.

Meanwhile, Qais bin Yousuf Al Siyabi emphasised the importance of structured reading over random reading, noting that systematic reading plans help individuals build specialised knowledge, strengthen analytical skills and develop independent judgement.

The experts agreed that the progress of modern societies should not be measured by the amount of information available, but by their ability to transform information into knowledge, knowledge into awareness and awareness into actions that foster innovation and sustainable development.

They concluded that, in today’s digital age, reading is no longer simply a pastime. It is a strategic necessity for building informed, creative and resilient individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society and shaping the future.